In a breakthrough for environmental safety and public health monitoring, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and Panjab University have developed a compact, automated optical device capable of detecting extremely low levels of toxic pesticide residues in water, food, and soil. The portable system, called the Smart Malathion Detection Device (Smart MDD), promises to deliver field-ready, real-time results, drastically cutting down the time and cost associated with laboratory-based testing.

Supported by the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) ‘Technology Development and Transfer’ Programme, the innovation addresses one of the key challenges of pesticide detection—making monitoring fast, affordable, and scalable. Traditional lab methods, especially those used for identifying organophosphate pesticides like Malathion, are expensive, time-consuming, and require specialized expertise. The new automated device ensures ultra-sensitive detection without manual intervention, making it ideal for on-site environmental and agricultural use.

The Smart MDD uses a color-based detection mechanism built on gold nanoparticles paired with a specially engineered aptamer molecule designed to identify Malathion. When the pesticide interacts with the molecule, the optical system detects a distinct colour shift—from red to blue—indicating contamination. “This technology can have significant real-world impact,” said Prof. Sujatha Narayanan Unni from IIT Madras. “It enables farmers, food safety agencies, and environmental regulators to monitor pesticide levels in water or produce on-site, reducing health and ecological risks.”

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The device demonstrated remarkable performance, detecting pesticide concentrations as low as 250 picomolar with accuracy comparable to laboratory spectrophotometers—an achievement rarely seen in portable sensors. It can potentially assist in tracking pesticide runoff into rivers and lakes, a growing concern impacting aquatic ecosystems and food chains. The findings were recently published in the Review of Scientific Instruments journal.

Dr. Rohit Kumar Sharma of Panjab University said the team now plans to validate the device in real-world conditions using samples from fruits, vegetables, and irrigation sources. “We aim to extend the platform to detect a broader range of pesticides, creating a comprehensive solution for sustainable agriculture and environmental monitoring,” he said. The researchers believe the Smart MDD could mark a major step toward safer food systems and cleaner water management in India.

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